Rishi Dhawan graduated from being an opening batsman in junior cricket to a seam-bowling allrounder, who largely relies on slow variations and cutters. His domestic performances for Himachal Pradesh, a bulk of which came in seamer-friendly conditions in Dharamsala, earned him an ODI debut during the limited-overs series in Australia in January 2016.

He first hit the headlines as a 16-year-old in 2006, when he scored 340 for Himachal Pradesh in an Under-19 match against Railways in the Cooch Behar Trophy. Three years later, he was fast-tracked into the first-class setup, where his bowling performances overshadowed his batting. Dhawan finished the 2013-14 Ranji Trophy as the highest wicket-taker - 49 from eight matches - and earned an India A call-up for a limited-overs tour of Australia in July 2014. He showcased his batting potential in the final there by scoring an unbeaten 56 at No. 7 to help India A clinch the title. His continued good form in the Ranji Trophy season that followed, that fetched him 40 wickets, put him on the selection radar for the senior team.

Dhawan's IPL career hasn't hit the high notes though. After two years on the fringes with Mumbai Indians, he was signed by Kings XI Punjab for INR 3 crores in 2014. His performances have been steady, if not spectacular, having been used mainly as a stop-gap bowling option. He was retained ahead of the 2016 auction.ESPNcricinfo staff